District 39 Board of Education Approves Contract
Posted on 08/03/2021

Wilmette, Ill. – The District 39 Board of Education unanimously approved a two-year contract with the Wilmette Education Association (WEA) this morning at a special meeting. The WEA represents 350 teachers within the district. This morning’s Board approval follows ratification of the agreement by the WEA on Monday, August 2.


The agreement links teacher salary increases to the Consumer Pricing Index (CPI). Year one of the contract calls for CPI plus 1.7% compensation, with the numbers moving to CPI plus 2.5% in the second year while maintaining a cap at 4% and a minimum of 2.5%.


“This two-year agreement offers our teachers and other WEA educational professionals raises tied to the CPI,” said Dr. Kari Cremascoli, Superintendent of District 39. “I believe this agreement represents a fair and responsible contract both for the Board and for the WEA. It values and honors our teachers and educational professionals for their dedicated work and significant contributions to our students and community while also maintaining the Board of Education’s longstanding commitment to fiscal responsibility and long-term planning. I would like to thank both negotiating teams for their willingness to come to the table with a shared vision of partnership and collaboration and a real willingness to listen to each other. Last year was undoubtedly a challenging year for all of us, and this agreement represents a significant and meaningful step forward to start of a great new school year.”  


“As a Board, we value the partnership with our talented and dedicated teachers,” added Amy Poehling, President of the Board of Education. “We are looking forward to starting this fresh new year and are very happy to have reached this agreement.” 


Wilmette Public Schools District 39 serves approximately 3,500 students in PreK-8th grade throughout Wilmette and in parts of Glenview. District 39’s mission is to nurture, guide and challenge students to become creative thinkers, collaborators and socially responsible, compassionate and productive citizens of a global society. District 39 is committed to providing a safe and equitable learning environment that fosters a mindset of empathy, respect and belonging for all students and staff. 


The four District 39 elementary schools – Central, Harper, McKenzie and Romona – as well as Highcrest Middle School and Wilmette Junior High School are among some of the most distinguished schools in the state. Several D39 schools have been designated as Blue Ribbon schools by the US Department of Education and others have attained exemplary status from the Illinois State Board of Education.